RAS question
The 'Maand' singing style of Rajasthan is similar to which classical form?
Correct answer: (C) Thumri/Ghazal.
Maand, a semi-classical singing style of Rajasthan, is similar to thumri and ghazal.
Explanation
Maand is best understood as a Rajasthani semi-classical singing style, not as a fully separate classical genre like khayal or dhrupad. Wikipedia: Mand (singing style) directly states that Mand or Maand is a style of singing in Rajasthan used in folk songs and that it is similar to thumri and ghazal. Maand sits close to thumri and ghazal in musical character while remaining rooted in Rajasthan's own cultural setting. It emerged from the royal courts of Jodhpur and Jaisalmer, and singers such as Gavri Devi and Allah Jilai Bai helped popularise it.
Why the other options are wrong
- (A) Khayal is not the comparison given for Maand; the supported comparison is with thumri and ghazal.
- (B) Dhrupad is a different classical form, while Maand is identified here as a Rajasthani semi-classical style similar to thumri and ghazal.
- (D) Bhajan refers to devotional singing, whereas the question tests Maand's stylistic similarity to thumri and ghazal.
Concept
This tests Rajasthan art and culture, especially the link between regional folk or semi-classical traditions and wider Hindustani musical forms. It recurs in RAS because Maand is one of Rajasthan's signature singing styles and is often asked through form-comparison questions.